What Age Does Hair Loss Stop In Women?

Quick Summary: What Age Does Hair Loss Stop in Women?

A common question is at what age does hair loss stop in women? The answer is not that straightforward. In reality, hair loss in women doesn’t entirely stop but occurs in phases across certain moments in life such as post pregnancy and menopause. It will also be dependent on the cause of hair loss and whether it has been managed appropriately such as Iron deficiency and Thyroid hormone dysfunction.

In this article, we will cover the progression, causes, and treatments for hair loss in women. We will also discuss at what age hair loss stops in women.

What is Hair Loss in Women?

Hair loss in women describes the thinning of the hair that exceeds the normal hair thinning in women. Although some shedding is part of the natural hair growth cycle, excessive loss may signify an underlying condition or genetic predisposition. [1]

The hair growth cycle can be summarised in three phases:

Anagen (Growth Phase) – It lasts 2–7 years. This phase accounts for 85–90% of scalp hair.

Catagen (Transition Phase) – This is a brief phase of 2–3 weeks when hair follicles shrink.

Telogen (Resting Phase) – A phase of 2–4 months. During this period, hair falls out to make way for new growth.

Any disruptions in these cycles can cause noticeable hair loss.

Types of Hair Loss in Women

Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL)

FPHL is the most common cause of hair loss in women as it affects 30 million women in the U.S. alone [2]. It Progresses from thinning at the crown to widening of the centre part and is influenced by genetic and hormonal factors.

Learn more about this condition by clicking here.

Telogen Effluvium

As you may know, telogen effluvium is a temporary condition that’s caused by stress, post pregnancy, or hormonal shifts [3]. Because of this condition, hair in the growth phase abruptly enters the resting phase.

Anagen Effluvium

Anagen effluvium is triggered by chemotherapy or toxic exposure [4]. It affects hair during its growth phase, which causes rapid loss.

Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia is a condition that causes hair loss in the hairline, temples and nape of the neck. It is due to repetitive tight hair styling in ponytails or buns creating tension on the hair follicles. Overtime the hair at the hairline and temples becomes progressively thinner.

Thyroid Hormone Dysfunction

Having low or high thyroid hormones can cause hair loss commonly in women. Having these hormones stabilise with appropriate therapy is important.

Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss affecting women. It can cause general hair thinning and once corrected often results in hair becoming thicker again.

How Common is Hair Loss in Women

According to research, hair loss becomes more common with age in women, especially after menopause. One study found that by the age of 50, approximately 40% of women experience visible hair thinning [5]. After menopause, more than two-thirds of women report noticeable hair loss.

The table below demonstrates the prevalence of hair loss in women based on age:

Age Group	Percentage of Women Affected
20–30 Years	12%
31–50 Years	40%
Post-Menopause	66%

When Does Hair Loss Begin?

Hair thinning in women commonly begins in the late 20s or early 30s. However, most women will not experience noticeable hair loss until after menopause. The decline in oestrogen levels contributes to hair thinning. [6]

Does Hair Loss Stop?

Hair loss does not always stop entirely. But for many women, it stabilises after menopause. The point at which hair loss stabilises depends on the following factors:

Genetic Predisposition

Women with a family history of female pattern hair loss are more likely to experience progressive thinning.

Hormonal Equilibrium

After menopause, hormone levels plateau, which reduces the impact of fluctuating androgens on hair follicles.

Lifestyle Measures and Therapies

Prompt intervention with medications, dietary choice, and stress management can slow hair thinning.

Stages of Female Pattern Hair Loss (Sinclair Scale)

The Sinclair scale identifies five progressive stages: [7]

Stage 1 – Minimal or no hair thinning.

Stage 2 – Slight widening of the centre parting.

Stage 3 – Visible thinning on either side of the parting.

Stage 4 – Bald spots toward the front of the scalp.

Stage 5 – Advanced hair loss with significant scalp exposure.

Causes of Hair Loss in Women

Hormonal Changes

As we just mentioned, the levels of oestrogen gradually decline after menopause, which causes the hair growth cycle to shorten. Another condition that commonly contributes to hair loss in women is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). This condition is known for elevated levels of androgens that cause early-onset thinning in younger women.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Inadequate intake of essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and vitamin D can disrupt hair health.

Stress and Lifestyle Factors

Chronic stress increases androgen and cortisol hormone levels, which exacerbates hair thinning. Additionally, chemical treatments and excessive styling damage hair follicles.

Genetic Factors

A family history of hair loss significantly increases the risk of FPHL.

Treatments for Hair Loss in Women

Medications

Minoxidil – This drug is approved by the FDA for female pattern hair loss. This topical solution stimulates follicular activity.

Spironolactone and Finasteride – Both of these drugs are commonly prescribed off-label for hair loss because they counteract androgen effects. Careful consultation with a Dermatologist is required when starting these medications.

Non-Medical Therapies

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) – This procedure focuses on the injection of processed plasma into the scalp to help stimulate follicle growth.

Low-Light Laser Therapy – This technique uses FDA-approved combs and caps to cast laser energy that revitalises hair follicles.

Below, you can see the effectiveness of the most common therapies out there:

Treatment	Hair Regrowth Rate	Stabilisation Rate
Minoxidil (5% Solution)	40%	80%
PRP Therapy	50%	70%
Low-Light Laser Therapy	35%	60%

Preventive Measures for Hair Loss

Although not all hair loss is preventable, some of these measures can help you stop further hair loss early on:

Maintain a Nutrient-Rich Diet

Try to consume 40–60 grams of protein daily to support hair growth. Foods such as lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, and plant-based options such as tofu are effective sources.

What’s more, nutrients such as iron, zinc, and vitamin D play a significant role in hair growth. Finally, iron-rich foods such as spinach and fortified cereals help with oxygen delivery to follicles, whereas vitamin D supports follicle activity.

Avoid Hair Damage

Make sure to avoid chemical treatments such as hair dyes and relaxers. The use of heat-styling tools (e.g., straighteners, curling irons) causes the weakening of the cuticle and hair breakage.

Regular Scalp Care

Regular scalp massages enhance blood circulation, which nourishes hair follicles and supports healthy growth. Use gentle hair products and maintain a clean/hydrated scalp to promote an environment conducive to hair health.

Conclusion

Hair loss in women is a common condition that has an array of causes and progression patterns. Although it may not completely stop for all women, stabilisation commonly occurs after menopause when hormone levels plateau.

References

1- Müller Ramos, P., Melo, D. F., Radwanski, H., de Almeida, R. F. C., & Miot, H. A. (2023). Female-pattern hair loss: therapeutic update. Anais brasileiros de dermatologia, 98(4), 506–519. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abd.2022.09.006

2- Bertoli, M. J., Sadoughifar, R., Schwartz, R. A., Lotti, T. M., & Janniger, C. K. (2020). Female pattern hair loss: A comprehensive review. Dermatologic therapy, 33(6), e14055. https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.14055

3- Hughes, E. C., Syed, H. A., & Saleh, D. (2024). Telogen Effluvium. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.

4- Kanwar, A. J., & Narang, T. (2013). Anagen effluvium. Indian journal of dermatology, venereology and leprology, 79(5), 604–612. https://doi.org/10.4103/0378-6323.116728

5- Famenini, S., Slaught, C., Duan, L., & Goh, C. (2015). Demographics of women with female pattern hair loss and the effectiveness of spironolactone therapy. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 73(4), 705–706. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2015.06.063

6- Hu, H. M., Zhang, S. B., Lei, X. H., Deng, Z. L., Guo, W. X., Qiu, Z. F., Liu, S., Wang, X. Y., Zhang, H., & Duan, E. K. (2012). Estrogen leads to reversible hair cycle retardation through inducing premature catagen and maintaining telogen. PloS one, 7(7), e40124. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0040124

7- Gupta, M., & Mysore, V. (2016). Classifications of Patterned Hair Loss: A Review. Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery, 9(1), 3–12. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-2077.178536